Washington Potato Foundation

Programs: Scholarships - the foundation awarded scholarships for the 17th consecutive year. A total of 49 applicants applied for the scholarship funds - up nearly 40 percent from prior years. A total of 25 students received awards. Awards ranged from $250-$2,250. The total amount awarded was $21,950.

grower education - the foundation offers a host of educational workshops, seminars, pesticide certifications, first aid trainings, field day, lectures, and workshops that benefit the 300 plus growers throughout washington. Field day is a 50 plus year educational tradition in the potato growing industry offered by wsu. This event features field tours highlighting the latest research developments in potato growing practices and pest management, as well as water and nutrient use efficiency trials of several new potato cultivars (new varieties) and a host of educational seminars. The foundation underwrites the costs for this event, which include lunch and rental of necessary outdoor accommodations. The foundation has supported this event since our establishment in 2000. Each year the event benefits between 300-400 growers via the speakers, seminars and participation in the research trials. First aid classes were provided as a service for those growers in the potato growing areas of washington/oregon. Both english and spanish classes were offered and a total of 50 individuals from local farms registered and were certified in first aid, cpr/aed training.

industry leadership banquet - the industry leadership banquet was hosted in january of 2017 at the red lion inn in kennewick, washington. Nominations were received to honor a host of great leaders in the region and an award ceremony celebrated past and present leaders as well as a current agriculture student. Attendance for this event was approximately 300 people in 2017. Participants also show their financial support to the general fund via purchase of raffle tickets as well as scholarship pledges.